Chilka Lake

The Lake Chilika is located about 100 kilometres from the capital city, Bhubaneshwar, of the state of Orissa. It is considered to be Asia’s largest briny water body. The lake is branched out from the Bay of Bengal by a tapered neck of land. It covers an area of about 1,100 square kilometres. The lake is an abode to the migratory birds. In the year 1987 it was affirmed as a sanctuary. It is a real pleasure for the tourists to visit Chilika during the winter season as innumerable migratory birds fly in this area, away from the Siberian cold. The ambiance surrounding the lake turns vivacious with the vociferous noise and the colourful assembly of the birds. The two islands – the Nalabana and the Kalijai – attract tourists for their respective features. While the former is considered as a sanctuary and is famous for its extensive variety of flora and fauna, the latter is renowned for its presiding deity, Goddess Kalijai and is also the location of annual Makar Mela (fair). It is a delight to observe the Black Buck and the Chital wandering leisurely on the shores and the dolphins at play. Boats can be chartered by tourists at Rambha, Balugaon, Barkul and Satpura to relish the serenity of the lake’s exquisiteness.